Open Call: Strengthening Salt Iodization and Nutrition Programs (Kenya and USA)

Deadline: 20-Mar-2026

UNICEF is inviting applications to support programs that improve iodine nutrition for children through advocacy, research, innovation, and strengthening national salt iodization systems. The initiative focuses on sustainable universal salt iodization, child nutrition, regulatory improvements, capacity building, and data-driven monitoring to ensure long-term nutrition outcomes.

About the Program

The UNICEF Iodine Nutrition Program aims to enhance child nutrition and prevent iodine deficiency by supporting national and global systems for universal salt iodization (USI). The initiative integrates research, advocacy, innovation, and capacity building to improve iodine intake, equity, and compliance with nutrition standards.

Key Objectives

• Improve infant and young child feeding practices

• Prevent and treat malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies

• Strengthen universal salt iodization systems and regulatory frameworks

• Support research, innovation, and knowledge dissemination on iodine nutrition

• Build capacity among program managers and policymakers

• Monitor equity gaps, household iodized salt coverage, and child iodine intake

Focus Areas

• Infant and young child feeding and nutrition in emergencies

• Malnutrition prevention and treatment

• Micronutrient supplementation

• Advocacy and partnership coordination

• Research, innovation, and knowledge generation

• Monitoring and data systems, including sentinel site monitoring and digital tools

• Regulatory frameworks, quality assurance, and industry compliance

• Capacity building for national program managers and policymakers

Expected Activities

• Develop and disseminate advocacy and knowledge products such as reports, technical briefs, newsletters, and webinars

• Coordinate partnerships and stakeholder platforms through technical consultations

• Conduct analyses on iodine intake, equity gaps, and household salt coverage

• Maintain and consolidate global and regional databases on iodine nutrition

• Pilot and document innovative tools including sentinel monitoring systems, compliance assessment tools, and digital monitoring solutions

• Provide technical assistance to review and strengthen national legislation, standards, and enforcement mechanisms

• Establish or enhance industry compliance and laboratory capacity

• Support monitoring and surveillance systems, such as urinary iodine surveys and household salt testing

• Deliver training modules and workshops for program managers and policymakers

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants include organizations with:

• Experience in nutrition programs, micronutrient supplementation, or public health interventions

• Capacity to support national or subnational salt iodization systems

• Ability to implement advocacy, research, monitoring, and capacity-building initiatives

• Expertise in data collection, quality assurance, and regulatory frameworks

How to Apply

1. Prepare Program Proposal: Include objectives, methodology, target populations, expected outcomes, and timeline

2. Outline Activities and Innovations: Describe advocacy products, monitoring tools, research initiatives, and regulatory support activities

3. Include Budget and Staffing: Provide financial plan, team composition, and resource requirements

4. Submit via UNICEF Portal: Ensure all documents, technical plans, and supporting evidence are complete

5. Evaluation: Proposals are assessed based on technical capacity, alignment with USI objectives, feasibility, and sustainability

Why This Program Matters

• Strengthens child nutrition and prevents iodine deficiency disorders

• Ensures sustainable, high-quality salt iodization programs

• Improves national and global systems for monitoring and compliance

• Supports data-driven decision-making and equity-focused nutrition interventions

• Builds capacity among policymakers and program managers to maintain USI programs

Tips for Applicants

• Highlight experience with salt iodization programs or child nutrition initiatives

• Include measurable indicators for iodine intake, coverage, and quality assurance

• Demonstrate capacity for research, advocacy, and innovation

• Ensure regulatory support and monitoring mechanisms are clearly outlined

• Emphasize sustainability and long-term impact of interventions

FAQs

1. What is the main goal of the program?
To improve iodine nutrition and sustain universal salt iodization systems for better child nutrition outcomes.

2. Who can submit applications?
Organizations with experience in nutrition, micronutrient supplementation, or public health interventions supporting salt iodization programs.

3. What activities are funded?
Advocacy, research, innovation, capacity building, monitoring, regulatory support, and knowledge dissemination.

4. Are there monitoring requirements?
Yes, organizations must implement monitoring tools such as sentinel site systems, digital tracking, urinary iodine surveys, and household salt testing.

5. What populations are targeted?
Infants, young children, and broader populations affected by iodine deficiency through household salt consumption.

6. How should proposals be structured?
Include objectives, methodology, timeline, expected outcomes, budget, and evidence of experience in similar initiatives.

7. Why is universal salt iodization important?
USI prevents iodine deficiency disorders, supports child growth and development, and strengthens national nutrition systems.

Conclusion

UNICEF’s Iodine Nutrition Program empowers organizations to improve child nutrition, strengthen regulatory and monitoring systems, and promote sustainable salt iodization programs. By integrating advocacy, research, innovation, and capacity building, the initiative ensures long-term improvements in iodine nutrition, equity, and child health outcomes worldwide.

For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.